Wales Return As Heroes

Six weeks after leaving for Australia for their assault on the IRB Rugby World Cup 2003, the Welsh squad returned home from their Antipodean adventure as heroes.

Hundreds of fans turned out at the squad's base in the Vale of Glamorgan to welcome the players and coaches who reignited the people's passion, by playing with pride, and putting in performances that pushed pulses higher.

Steve Hansen's men registered three victories over Canada, Tonga and Italy, before pushing New Zealand and England to the limit in successive games.

Wales were eventually knocked out in the quarter finals by England, but unlike recent ventures abroad when the players have suffered morale-shattering defeats, the squad flew home into a new feel-good atmosphere surrounding the game in Wales.

Despite the defeat, the feeling amongst fans was that the three-to-one try count was as good as the win, well, almost.

Under the leadership of Colin Charvis, the Wales team played rugby that promised a return to the great days of the 1970s, with the likes of Iesytn Harris, Shane Williams, and Gareth Thomas sidestepping and weaving their way to the some of the tournaments best tries.

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Captain Colin Charvis told the 300 strong crowd: 'When we heard there were a couple of hundred people willing to meet us at the hotel, we thought it would be a great chance to meet real Welsh fans.

'When we first got over to Australia, people didn't have much confidence in us, but hopefully we have proved we can compete with the best by putting on some good performances.'

Second row Robert Sidoli told BBC Radio Wales he was surprised by the welcome the players had received.

'I'm very surprised, we heard there might be something on the bus this morning,' he said.

'The boys are tired, but it's nice to see everyone's spirits up.

'We are disappointed to be back two weeks sooner than we'd like, but it's good to see a lot of smiling faces.'

Welsh Rugby Union president Sir Tasker Watkins said the players have restored some pride back to a rugby mad nation.

He told the team: 'Thank you for rescuing the name of Wales in the rugby family.

'This performance has re-established our position as one of the best half dozen rugby teams in the world.

'You have gladdened the hearts of the Welsh people but you have earned a heavy burden.

'Next year I expect you to win the triple crown and the grand slam, or else.'

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